"Doctoral researcher"

University of Helsinki, Department of Chemistry is looking for a Doctoral researcher starting from November 2025, or as agreed. The Doctoral Researcher will be offered a full-time contract for the maximum duration of 4 years. There will be a trial period of six months at the beginning of employment.

The position is related to the project “Gas Ion Separation Combined with Optical Spectroscopy: Next-Generation Detection of Threat Chemicals” funded by the Research Council of Finland in the research group of University Lecturer Markus Metsälä (link). The project is a collaboration with VERIFIN (Finnish Institute for Verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention) and the goal is to combine ultra-sensitive photoacoustic spectroscopy with a novel, rapid chemical separation technique, Gas Ion Distillation (GID, see link for details). The Doctoral researcher will develop a mid-IR laser spectrometer for threat chemicals using cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (CEPAS). They will then work with project partners to couple the spectrometer to the GID setup for sensitive and chemically selective detection of chemical warfare agents. University of Helsinki has a long history of applying CEPAS for various gas sensing applications (see e.g. link).

We are looking for a motivated student with keen interest towards experimental research and applications of trace gas analysis. An optimal candidate should have prior experience with optical spectroscopy and / or laser instrumentation. Previous experience with chemical separation techniques or ion mobility spectrometry is considered an advantage. The applicant should hold a master’s degree in chemistry, physics, or a related field. The applicant should either hold a doctoral study right at University of Helsinki or be able to attain one within the 6 months trial period at the beginning of employment. Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written, are expected.

We offer an opportunity to work and study in an international, multidisciplinary research environment that values equality, diversity, inclusion, and well-being. Finland is a member of EU, has high quality free schooling and generous family benefits and healthcare. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, insurance for work-related travel and occupational accidents, sports services at a reduced price and opportunities for professional development. International staff is supported in relocating to Finland. See link for more details.

The salary is based on the collective agreement followed by Finnish universities, with starting salary typically in the range of 2500-2800 €/month.

Applicants should apply through University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system. The applicant is asked to provide a motivational letter, an academic CV, a degree certificate and a record of studies. In the motivational letter, please include a brief description (about 200 words) how your past experience or studies relate to the research topic and provide contact details for any references. Applications will be processed already before the deadline and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Deadline for submitting applications is September 29th, 2025 (at 23:59 UTC +3).

Additional information regarding the position can be inquired from Dr. Markus Metsälä (markus.metsala@helsinki.fi).